NEW: Florida dog almost dies after being colored purple with hair dye

Violet, the white Maltese mix, that was dyed purple with human hair dye. Image from the Pinellas County Animal Services.

A dog in Florida had a botched puppy make-over that left the animal with severe burns and swollen eyes.

A white Maltese mix named Violet was dyed purple with hair dye that was meant for humans. As a result, the chemicals inside the injured the 5-pound dog, according to the Pinellas County Animal Services’ Facebook.

The department said that Violet came to them with eyes swollen shut, “she was limp and listless, she had obvious burns to her skin.”

A picture of Violet during her recovery. Image from the Pinellas County Animal Services.

A veterinarian helped treat the dog by giving her fluids and pain medication.

“Chemicals in hair dye are TOXIC causing a wide array of external injury to your pet - possible burns, blindness and because an animal’s first instinct is to lick, it can cause poisoning or internal burns. Just don’t,” according to Animal Services.

After more than three months of extensive medical treatment, Violet made a full recovery.

“When the final badges came off we breathed a collective sigh of relief – Violet was beautiful,” said Animal Services. “She will always have her own individual style and that’s just fine with her new owners, who specialize in beautifying pets.”